Respon viabilitas benih kacang nagara (Vigna unguiculata ssp. cylindrica) terhadap invigorasi benih menggunakan PEG (Poli Etilen Glikol)

Abstract

Nagara cowpea are planted in South Kalimantan's swampy land during the dry season.  Protein content of nagara cowpea are 22-27% and it is potential as an alternative source of protein other than soybean.    Seed quality is important for crop production, seed production, as well as the sustainability of the varieties assembly.  PEG (Poly Ethylene Glycol) has a low osmotic potential, which at the right concentration can improve seed quality performance.  This study aims to study the effect of PEG on improving the viability of nagara cowpea seeds as an effort to overcome the problem of viability decline of nagara cowpea seeds during storage. This research were arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) 3 replications, from May to October 2018 at the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Agriculture Faculty, Lambung Mangkurat University. The variables were observed namely seeds germination, germination speed, simultaneous growth of seeds, length of root & plumula, and dry weight of normal seedling. If the Variance Analysis were significant, then it was followed by the Least Significant Difference test at 5% level. The results showed that the invigoration of nagara cowpea  seeds through osmopriming with PEG did not give a significant effect on the seeds germination, although there was a tendency of 2.5% PEG better than 0% PEG treatment. The parameters of the seed vigor affected by PEG are only the vigor index. The vigor index at 22.5% PEG treatment was significantly lower than other treatments. Treatment of  2.5% PEG tend to be better than 0% PEG.